UWS Cambodia

QS funds brand new school in Krang Chek, Cambodia

In 2017 Quadstar began a partnership with the charity, United World Schools (UWS), supporting its mission to transform lives through education. UWS works in some of the world’s poorest regions to give every child access to a free education, with the aim of reaching 50,000 children by 2020. UWS was set up by Chris Howarth, a volunteer, educational consultant, who started off building a small community school in northern Cambodia. A decade later, UWS is providing an incredible 20,000+ children with life-changing educational opportunities across Cambodia, Nepal & Myanmar. Having been inspired on a donor trip to Cambodia in November 2017 to see more of UWS’s work and impact for himself, Nick Butcher committed QS to construct and provide ongoing support for a brand new school in the village of Krang Chek, in SE Cambodia. After a successful construction period, Krang Chek School was officially opened at the end of April this year.

Quadstar are delighted to confirm that in just three months over 65 students are enrolled and regularly attending our school – this figure is expected to increase steadily over the next few years as the school becomes fully integrated into the local community. The school currently has five teachers, three of whom have been recruited and trained from the local community. Lessons include maths and Khmer, the official language of Cambodia, along with creative subjects such as art, sport and music. Students also participate in three library sessions each week to improve their literacy. Indeed, teacher training at the school has to date focussed on using the library and book corners to encourage students to read independently. Children can take books home to read and the library is restocked each term to ensure that there is plenty of reading material available.

Unfortunately the monsoon season was particularly severe this year in Cambodia and the entire Koh Kong region, including Krang Chek, has been adversely affected by the flooding. Whilst the school has not been damaged, the community has faced serious challenges of limited food and clean water. The local UWS team has been working very closely with the village leaders to support the community and improve sanitation. We are delighted that the school managed to remain open until the end of term in these difficult circumstances, providing the children with some much-needed respite.